RECAP: Cats deal with company versus Murray State, flow to three-0

Kentucky quarterback Terry Wilson broke free on a 42-yard landing run to cap the Wildcats' first force of the video game.

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Kentucky eased concerns of a publish-Florida letdown early in Saturday's video game towards FCS opponent Murray State.

Terry Wilson raced 42 yards for a landing on the Wildcats' opening force of the day and UK stored its foot on the gas for 4 quarters at Kroger field in a forty eight-10 win over the Racers.

Kentucky (3-0, 1-0 SEC) accumulated 528 total yards on the day in a balanced offensive attack that produced 245 yards on the floor and 283 throughout the air.

meanwhile, the united kingdom defense held Murray State (0-three, 0-0 OVC) out of the end zone except the final 30 seconds of the video game. The Racers entire with 302 yards of total offense.

"happy with our effort today," UK head educate Mark Stoops noted. "absolutely there is a lot of good things accessible. You could see the power of our crew and the depth, it be going to pay off in opposition t a crew like Murray. I definitely credit Murray for their coaching and the manner they performed. they are a top quality soccer crew that performed above all challenging. I just thought with our power and event and depth, we just wore them down."

Wilson, the primary of three quarterbacks to play for UK, completed 19 of 25 passes for 163 yards. The sophomore also rushed for a team-excessive 92 yards and a score.

"he is very dynamic when he pulls the ball down," Stoops spoke of of the junior school transfer. "i've been there. As a protecting instruct, it is going to spoil your again. i am very joyful he's doing that for us."

Kentucky backup quarterbacks Gunnar Hoak and Danny Clark additionally produced touchdowns. Hoak linked with freshman receiver Allen Dailey Jr. on a 23-yard scoring pass. Clark scored on a 2-yard run.

Even UK working returned Benny Snell Jr. got in on the act, getting credit for a 49-yard landing pass to redshirt freshman Zy'Aire Hughes on a razzle-dazzle play within the third quarter. Snell also had 75 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

in this Cats Illustrated "rapid Recap" section, we touch on some short-hitters from the united kingdom victory...

THE decent:

For the first time this season, Kentucky performed turnover-free football. The Cats most effective once flirted with a turnover right through the direction of the day, however a hustling Tavin Richardson pounced on a fumble by way of Dorian Baker to aid UK maintain possession. It was a large improvement over one of the Cats' other shut calls against FCS and smaller conference opponents during the past.

THE bad:

File this one within the "Stoops isn't dropping Sleep Over This" folder, nevertheless it can be difficult for UK to advertise a Heisman campaign for Snell with a 75-yard game in opposition t Murray State on his resume. he's darkhorse to start with however would had been exceptional to get him one hundred fifty-plus within the first half earlier than handing issues over to the backups. For Snell to be a major contender, he no longer best wants a ton of UK wins but some gaudy numbers to overcome his lack of national consideration thus far.

THE ugly:

The Cats were a little penalty prone within the first half, otherwise the last score may also were much more lopsided. The offensive line negated a handful of succesful performs with keeping flags. Senior protective again Chris Westry also had a 15-yard penalty to aid lengthen an opponent's drive for the third time in as many games this season. UK wasn't almost as "clear" (7 penalties, 67 yards) as Stoops may additionally have hoped going into the video game.

game BALL:

Terry Wilson, Kentucky -- Wilson made a further massive play with his legs and threw the ball neatly, completing 76 % of his passes. The preseason concerns of accuracy appear to be unfounded at this factor. He may have topped 200 yards throughout the air if his receivers had helped him on a couple of catchable balls.

by using THE NUMBERS:

1st - career interception via UK linebacker Jamin Davis.

2 - Tackles for loss with the aid of UK freshman defensive lineman Marquan McCall to guide the Cats.

5-of-5 - in the pink zone for the Cats' offense.

6 - "Explosive plays" via the uk offense, which coordinator Eddie Gran labels as runs of 12 yards or extra and passes of sixteen yards or extra.

eight - Receptions for 89 yards by UK sophomore receiver Lynn Bowden.

eleven - distinctive UK players caught as a minimum one pass.

28 - First downs by means of the Cats, who punted best as soon as on the day.

35:55 - Time of possession for the Cats.

QUOTABLE:

"It became basically best to peer a lot of our children play. I believe that remaining shielding group... at one element there were 10 novices -- either redshirt or real learners -- making some respectable plays." -- UK head train Mark Stoops

UP next:

The Cats return to motion subsequent Saturday at Kroger field towards Mississippi State. The Bulldogs (2-0) are scheduled to play Louisiana later tonight. They opened the season with astonishing wins over Stephen F. Austin (sixty three-6) and Kansas State (31-10).